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Time to Change? A study of howparents and carers use disposableand reusable nappies

Project Record P1-481/PR

Time to Change?A Study of how parents and carers use disposable and reusable nappies

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The Environment Agency is the leading public body protecting andimproving the environment in England and Wales.

It’s our job to make sure that air, land and water are looked after byeveryone in today’s society, so that tomorrow’s generations inherit acleaner, healthier world.

Our work includes tackling flooding and pollution incidents, reducingindustry’s impacts on the environment, cleaning up rivers, coastalwaters and contaminated land, and improving wildlife habitats.

This report is the result of research commissioned and funded by theEnvironment Agency’s Science Programme.

Published by:Environment Agency, Rio House, Waterside Drive, Aztec West,Almondsbury, Bristol, BS32 4UDTel: 01454 624400 Fax: 01454 624409www.environment-agency.gov.uk

ISBN: 1844324524

© Environment Agency July 2005

All rights reserved. This document may be reproduced with priorpermission of the Environment Agency.

The views expressed in this document are not necessarilythose of the Environment Agency.

This report is printed on Cyclus Print, a 100% recycled stock,which is 100% post consumer waste and is totally chlorine free.Water used is treated and in most cases returned to source inbetter condition than removed.

Further copies of this report are available from:The Environment Agency’s National Customer Contact Centre byemailing [email protected] or bytelephoning 08708 506506.

Author(s):Susie Pocock

Dissemination Status:Publicly available

Keywords:Cloth, Disposable, Life Cycle Assessment, LCA, Nappies,Reusable

Environment Agency’s Project Manager:Terry Coleman and Joanna Marchant, Head Office

Science Project Number:P1-481

Product Code:SCHO0605BJGT-E-P


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Science at the Environment Agency

Science underpins the work of the Environment Agency, by providing an up to dateunderstanding of the world about us, and helping us to develop monitoring toolsand techniques to manage our environment as efficiently as possible.

The work of the Science Group is a key ingredient in the partnership betweenresearch, policy and operations that enables the Agency to protect and restore ourenvironment.

The Environment Agency’s Science Group focuses on five main areas of activity:

• Setting the agenda: To identify the strategic science needs of the Agency toinform its advisory and regulatory roles.

• Sponsoring science: To fund people and projects in response to the needsidentified by the agenda setting.

• Managing science: To ensure that each project we fund is fit for purpose andthat it is executed according to international scientific standards.

• Carrying out science: To undertake the research itself, by those best placed todo it - either by in-house Agency scientists, or by contracting it out touniversities, research institutes or consultancies.

• Providing advice: To ensure that the knowledge, tools and techniquesgenerated by the science programme are taken up by relevant decision-makers,policy makers and operational staff.

Professor Mike Depledge Head of Science


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Contents

CONTENTS 5

1 BACKGROUND 7

2 NAPPIES 8

2.1 Nappy users 8

2.2 Responses with children still in nappies 9

2.3 Type of nappy used 9

2.4 Type of reusable nappy used 10

2.5 Why reusable nappies are used 11

2.6 Use of disposable nappies 12

2.7 Age that a child stops using nappies 12

2.8 Number of nappy changes per day 16

2.9 Number of reusable nappy changes per day with a bowel movement 22

2.10 Number of nappies owned and in use 22

2.11 More than one nappy used at a time 23

2.12 Nappy washing behaviour 23

2.13 Nappy drying behaviour 28

2.14 End of life of nappies 30

2.15 Nappies used previously on another child 30

3 OVER-PANTS (INCLUDING WATERPROOF PANTS) 31

3.1 Users of over-pants 31

3.2 Type of over-pant used 31

3.3 Number of over-pants owned and in use 32

3.4 Over-pants used previously on another child 33

3.5 How long over-pants last 33

3.6 Over-pant washing behaviour 34


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3.7 Over-pants drying behaviour 36

4 ABSORBENT BOOSTER PADS 37

4.1 Users of absorbent booster pads 37

4.2 Type of absorbent booster pad 37

4.3 Number of absorbent booster pads owned and in use 38

5 NAPPY LINERS 39

5.1 Users of nappy liners 39

5.2 Type of nappy liner 39

5.3 Number of nappy liners used in 24 hours 40

6 CONCLUSIONS 41

7 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER WORK 42

7.1 Questionnaire design 42

7.2 Sample size of nappy types 42

ANNEX A: OMNIBUS QUESTIONNAIRE 44

ANNEX B: TEST QUESTIONNAIRE 48

ANNEX C: NATIONAL STATISTICS OMNIBUS SURVEY 62

ANNEX D: TEST RESEARCH 64

ANNEX E: OMNIBUS - DATA ISSUES AND CORRECTIONS 65

ANNEX F: TEST - DATA ISSUES AND CORRECTIONS 68


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1 BackgroundThe Environment Agency commissioned a life-cycle assessment (LCA) to compare theenvironmental impacts of using reusable (washable) and disposable nappies. One of thefirst stages of that study was a review of previous work. This showed that certain factors –such as the age at which children stop wearing nappies, the number they use each dayetc – would be key to the final results.

The available information was either anecdotal or partial, but objective, independentinformation was required. We therefore commissioned surveys of how consumers usenappies. This report presents results from 2002-2003.

We commissioned the Office of National Statistics to ask questions in their OmnibusSurvey about the use of reusable and disposable nappies. The questions addressedissues such as the types of nappies used, the average number of nappy changes per dayand the age at which children stop using nappies. A total of 8,000 households wereinterviewed in four phases between June 2002 and February 2003. Only households witha child that was in nappies or that had worn nappies in the recent past (defined as havinga child under 10 years old) were interviewed. Only 2,101 of the households had a childunder 10, and only 73 of those used or had used reusable nappies. The number usingreusable nappies was too small a sample size for all the statistical analysis required, sowe commissioned a second survey specifically of parents that use reusable nappies. Thissecond survey would establish the types of reusable nappies being used, how they werebeing used and laundered and what other products were being used with the nappies, e.g.wraps, booster pads, liners, detergents, etc. TEST Research (part of the MORI Group ofresearch companies) conducted face to face interviews (March – April 2003) with parentsor guardians of children under 36 months who were using or had used washable cloth(reusable) nappies. In total, 183 parents/guardians were interviewed face to face withinrandomly selected constituencies across Britain. Of the 183 respondents, 135 had a childunder the age of 36 months currently using reusable nappies. The remaining 48 had usedreusable nappies on their child in the recent past. The fieldwork was conducted between10 March 2003 and 4 April 2003.

This report presents the analysis of the results from these two surveys. Most of this reportrelates to reusable nappies, because for consumers the disposable system is muchsimpler – buy, use, and dispose. The overwhelming majority of disposable nappies arealso very similar, and the survey did not distinguish between brands. By contrast,reusables fall into four distinct types: all-in-one, shaped, prefold and flat terry. Of the fourdifferent types, the terry and prefold are the most similar, and data for these were studiedin more detail to provide information for the LCA. Consumer behaviour is also of moreinterest in relation to reusables because how the consumer launders nappies is importantto the LCA study.


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2 Nappies2.1 Nappy users2.1.1 Omnibus surveyThe 2,101 usable records from the Omnibus survey covered children from newbornbabies up to the age of nine years 11 months. As Table 2.1 shows, just under half of these(1,028) related to children under five, and 523 of these children were still in nappies.

Table 2.1 Nappies usersStage of nappy wearing Frequency Per centStill in nappies 523 24.9%Recently out of nappies 505 24.0%Child aged between 5 and 10 1073 51.1%Total 2101 100.0%Source: Omnibus survey

Of the 2,101 responses, 2,023 used disposable nappies (see Table 2.2), 73 usedreusables (see Table 2.3), and five did not answer the question.

Table 2.2 Nappy users –disposableStage of nappy wearing Frequency PercentStill in nappies 509 25.2%Recently out of nappies 493 24.4%Child aged between 5 and 10 1021 50.5%Total 2023 100.0%Source: Omnibus survey

Table 2.3 Nappy users - reusableStage of nappy wearing Frequency PercentStill in nappies 14 19.2%Recently out of nappies 11 15.1%Child aged between 5 and 10 48 65.8%Total 73 100.0%Source: Omnibus survey

2.1.2 TEST surveyThere were 183 usable records from the TEST dataset relating to children using reusablenappies up to the age of 36 months. The responses were broken down as follows:

Table 2.4 Nappy usersStage of nappy wearing Frequency PercentStill in nappies 135 73.8%Recently out of nappies 48 26.2%Total 183 100.0%Source: TEST survey


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Of the 183 respondents, 135 related to children still wearing nappies, and 48 related tochildren who had used reusable nappies in the past. Twelve of the 183 respondents useda nappy laundry service (seven per cent of reusable users). These 12 records wereexcluded from the analysis because the wording of certain questions about how they usedsuch a service was ambiguous. Eight of these 12 records were for children still in nappies.This therefore left a sample of 127 records (= 135 - 8) where the child was still in nappies.All the results presented in this report from the TEST dataset are based on the responsesfor those (127) records. This is consistent with the analysis of data of disposable nappiesfrom the OMNIBUS survey.

2.2 Responses with children still in nappiesIn the sections of the two surveys dealing with children ‘still in nappies’, responses wereincluded from both those who currently had a child in nappies and from those who hadrecently had a child in nappies. The breakdown of the sample by stage of nappy wearingwas as shown in Tables 2.1 – 2.4.

Disposable users were classed as people using only or mainly disposables. Reusableusers were people using only or mainly washable cloth nappies. Tables 2.2 and 2.3 showhow recently the children in the sample population were using nappies.

2.3 Type of nappy usedThis question was asked to establish the type of nappy mainly used. It allows the relativemarket shares of disposable and reusable nappies to be calculated. A very smallproportion used reusable nappies.

Table 2.5 Market shareType of nappy used Frequency PercentDisposable only 1973 94.1%Reusable only 31 1.5%Both – mainly disposable 50 2.4%Both – mainly reusable 42 2.0%Total 2096 100.0%Source: Omnibus survey

Based on the figures shown above for type of nappy used, the market share of reusableswas calculated at six per cent. This figure is based on counting as a reusable user anyoneusing reusable nappies in some way, in other words, the total of ‘reusables only’, ‘both –mainly reusables’ and ‘both – mainly disposables’.

The market share was also separately calculated for those children aged up to threeyears, and those children aged three years and over.


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Table 2.6.1 Market share – children aged under threeyearsType of nappy used Frequency PercentDisposable only 658 96.3%Reusable only 7 1.0%Both - mainly disposable 8 1.2%Both - mainly reusable 10 1.5%Total 683 100.0%Source: Omnibus survey

Table 2.6.2 Market share – children aged three yearsand overType of nappy used Frequency PercentDisposable only 1315 93.0%Reusable only 24 1.7%Both - mainly disposable 42 3.0%Both - mainly reusable 32 2.3%Total 1413 100.0%Source: Omnibus survey

A figure of four per cent was obtained for those respondents with children under threeyears old, and a figure of seven per cent for those respondents with children aged threeyears or over.

The difference between the market share for children under three years old (3.7 per cent)and those three years old and over (6.9 per cent) is statistically highly significant (P<0.01).

2.4 Type of reusable nappy usedThis question established the type of reusable nappy mainly used. It allowed us toconsider the data more effectively by producing more detailed studies by nappy type later.

Overall, 122 Omnibus records gave an answer to type of reusable nappy mainly used.

Table 2.7 Type of reusable nappyFrequency Percent

All in one reusable nappies – home laundered 16 13.1%Shaped reusable nappies with wrap – commerciallylaundered

4 3.3%

Shaped reusable nappies with wrap - homelaundered

25 20.5%

Flat terry reusable nappies – commercially laundered 8 6.6%Flat terry reusable nappies – home laundered 69 56.6%Total 122 100.0%Source: Omnibus survey


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Based on these responses, 10 per cent of reusable users paid a nappy service to laundertheir nappies.

All 127 people taking part in the TEST survey gave an answer to type of reusable nappymainly used.

Table 2.8 Type of reusable nappyFrequency Percent

All in one washable cloth nappy 15 11.8%Shaped sized/fitted washable cloth nappy 24 18.9%Shaped one size washable cloth nappy 25 19.7%Prefold washable cloth nappy 29 22.8%Flat terry washable cloth nappy 32 25.2%Other 2 1.6%Total 127 100.0%Source: TEST survey

The categories in Table 2.8 differ from those in the Omnibus Survey (in Table 2.7). First,the Omnibus survey did not have a separate category for prefold nappies. Therefore thefigure for terry nappies may include responses from those using prefolds. Second, thequestion about whether nappies were laundered at home or in a commercial laundry wasasked separately in the TEST survey. Only eight people were using a laundry service. Sixof these eight responses used prefold nappies.

Both the Omnibus and TEST surveys showed that more people bought flat terry nappiesthan they did any other nappy type. We therefore analysed a number of survey questionsin more detail to see how terry users specifically had answered questions.

2.5 Why reusable nappies are usedEveryone answered this question. Respondents were allowed to choose more than oneanswer.

Table 2.9 Reusable nappies – why are they usedn=1271 FrequencyCheaper/more economical 86More environmentally friendly 106Contains less chemicals 39Recommendation from a friend/family 2I was given them by someone elsewho had finished with them

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Other 6Total responses 243Source: TEST survey

No one reported using reusable nappies for better performance or comfort. Reasonsassociated with the environment (including using fewer chemicals) accounted for 60 percent of responses. Thirty-five per cent of responses related to cost.

1 n=127 means 127 people responded to this question


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2.6 Use of disposable nappiesOf the 126 people who answered this question, 88 per cent said that they had useddisposable nappies instead of reusable nappies at times, while 12 per cent said that theynever had.

One hundred and eleven people responded to the question about when they useddisposable nappies rather than reusable ones. Respondents were allowed to choose morethan one answer for this question.

2.10 Reusable nappies – when disposable nappiesare usedn=111 FrequencyDuring night time 56When I am busy e.g. too much to do 13When I am on holiday/away fromhome

74

When the child is at nursery/with achild minder

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Other 12Total responses 171Source: TEST survey

The use of disposables at night and on holiday accounts for 76 per cent of the responsesgiven.

2.7 Age that a child stops using nappiesHow long children wear nappies is important for two reasons. First, the LCA studyintended to compare the total nappy usage over a period equivalent to the average nappy-wearing period (daytime use). The survey therefore provided an important check. Second,the length of time children are in nappies has been an area of differing views. It is oftenclaimed that children who use reusable nappies are potty trained sooner than childrenwho use disposables.

Overall, 1,578 records related to children no longer wearing nappies, but only 1,553 of therespondents answered this question. For those recently out of nappies, the average ageout of nappies was calculated as 26.46 months ± 0.55 (95% CI2).

Figure 2.1 shows the distribution of the responses to the Omnibus survey for the agewhen children stopped using nappies during the day. These are for responses only forchildren recently out of nappies.

2 95% CI, the 95% confidence interval, means that there is 95% confidence that the true age out of nappies lies between25.91 months (26.46 – 0.55) and 27.01 months (26.46 + 0.55). The confidence interval is calculated as the mean ± t xSD/√n, where n is the number in the sample, SD is the standard deviation, and t is a factor related to the confidencelevel required and the number in the sample (t = 1.98 for 95% confidence and n = 120).The standard deviation (SD) is a statistical measure of the degree of scatter shown by a set of data around its meanvalue. The larger the standard deviation, the more variable the data.


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Figure 2.1

Age out of nappies for those recently out of nappies

020406080

100120140160

12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48

Age in months

Freq

uenc

y

Source: Omnibus survey

The average age was calculated for a number of different groups to see if there was adifference between respondents with children recently out of nappies and those withchildren out of nappies some time ago, and also whether there was a difference in thetype of nappy being used.

From Table 2.11, it appears that the type of nappy used is not a factor in determining howlong children use nappies. The data show that the average age out of nappies is aroundtwo years and two months for both disposable and reusable nappies, whether out ofnappies recently or some time ago.

Table 2.11 Average age out of nappies (months)Frequency Mean SD

ALLRecently out of nappies 503 26.46 6.28Out of nappies some time ago 1048 26.05 7.66All respondents 1551 26.18 7.24DISPOSABLERecently out of nappies 492 26.39 6.26Out of nappies some time ago 1001 26.06 7.67All disposables 1493 26.17 7.23REUSABLERecently out of nappies 11 29.64 6.73Out of nappies some time ago 47 25.68 7.54All reusables 58 26.43 7.50Source: Omnibus survey

The age out of nappies for all reusable users (mean 26.43) was compared with the ageout of nappies for all disposable users (mean 26.17). There is no statistically significantdifference between these means (at the P<0.05 level).


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The age out of nappies for reusable users recently out of nappies (mean 29.64) wascompared with the age out of nappies for reusable users out of nappies some time age(mean 25.68). Although a mean difference of almost four months may seem substantial,the 29.64 mean is based on only 11 samples, and as a consequence the difference is notstatistically significant (at the P<0.05 level).

These data on age out of nappies were used to calculate what percentages of childrenwere still wearing nappies in each six-month timeband. This calculation was based on allrecords where an answer had been given to both the age out of nappies and the currentage of the child. Table 2.12 shows the number of records reporting age out of nappies foreach timeband, allowing a calculation to be made of how many children were thereforestill in nappies. Table 2.13 displays the resulting percentages for children wearing and notwearing nappies based on these data.

Table 2.12 Disposable nappiesAge of child Frequency out of

nappies at this ageFrequency still innappies at this age

% still innappies

up to 6 months 0 1451 100.0%6 to 12 months 62 1389 95.7%12 to 18 months 188 1201 82.8%18 to 24 months 540 661 45.6%24 to 30 months 406 255 17.6%30 to 36 months 185 70 4.8%36 to 42 months 44 26 1.8%42 to 48 months 20 6 0.4%48 to 54 months 4 2 0.1%54 to 60 months 1 1 0.1%60 to 66 months 0 1 0.1%66 to 72 months 1 0 0.0%Total 1451 - -Source: Omnibus survey

Table 2.13 Disposable nappiesAge of child Children wearing

nappiesChildren not wearingnappies

up to 6 months 100.0% 0.0%6 to 12 months 95.7% 4.3%12 to 18 months 82.8% 17.2%18 to 24 months 45.6% 54.4%24 to 30 months 17.6% 82.4%30 to 36 months 4.8% 95.2%36 to 42 months 1.8% 98.2%42 to 48 months 0.4% 99.6%48 to 54 months 0.1% 99.9%54 to 60 months 0.1% 99.9%60 to 66 months 0.1% 99.9%66 to 72 months 0.0% 100.0%Source: Omnibus survey


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Though there were fewer samples for reusable users, the exercise was repeated tocompare results. Data from the TEST survey could not be used for these calculations, asthe relevant question was not worded to obtain a clear answer.3 Therefore data fromOmnibus were used. As there were only 23 respondents, the figures should be interpretedvery cautiously. This analysis produced almost identical patterns of use (see Figure 2.2).Therefore, Table 2.13 for disposable users was applied throughout the LCA study. Table2.13 shows that after 30 months of age, 95 per cent of all children surveyed were out ofnappies.

2.14 Reusable nappiesAge of child Frequency out of

nappies at this ageFrequency still innappies at thisage

% still innappies

up to 6 months 0 23 100.0%6 to 12 months 1 22 95.7%12 to 18 months 3 19 82.6%18 to 24 months 10 9 39.1%24 to 30 months 5 4 17.4%30 to 36 months 3 1 4.3%36 to 42 months 1 0 0.0%42 to 48 months 0 0 0.0%48 to 54 months 0 0 0.0%54 to 60 months 0 0 0.0%60 to 66 months 0 0 0.0%66 to 72 months 0 0 0.0%Total 23 - -Source: Omnibus survey

2.15 Reusable nappiesAge of child Children wearing

nappiesChildren not wearingnappies

up to 6 months 100.0% 0.0%6 to 12 months 95.7% 4.3%12 to 18 months 82.6% 17.4%18 to 24 months 39.1% 60.9%24 to 30 months 17.4% 82.6%30 to 36 months 4.3% 95.7%36 to 42 months 0.0% 100.0%42 to 48 months 0.0% 100.0%48 to 54 months 0.0% 100.0%54 to 60 months 0.0% 100.0%60 to 66 months 0.0% 100.0%66 to 72 months 0.0% 100.0%Source: Omnibus survey

3 See note in ANNEX F under Modification for nappy analysis for further details


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Figure 2.2

Proportion of children still wearing nappies

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60

Age in months

Perc

enta

ge w

earin

g na

ppie

s

disposablesreusables


2.8 Number of nappy changes per dayThe number of nappies used each day is a major factor in determining the impact of thedifferent nappy systems.

2.8.1 Analysis of survey responsesOf the 2,101 Omnibus records, there were 521 responses to this question – 14 fromreusable users and 507 from disposable users. All those who answered had childrenunder five years old that were still in nappies. For disposable users, the average numberof changes per day was 5.51 ± 0.17 (95% CI). For reusable users the average number ofchanges per day was 6.57 ± 1.70 (95% CI).

For reusable users, the data from Omnibus were consistently considered insufficient dueto the small number of responses, so results were produced from the TEST survey wherethere was a greater response rate. There were 122 responses to this question, with thenumber of changes ranging from one to 20. The average number of changes per day was6.10 ± 0.47 (95% CI). The difference, between this and 6.57, the Omnibus mean forreusables, is not statistically significant (P<0.05).

The responses averaged above relate only to children still wearing nappies, whatever theirage. These estimates take no account of the variation in the number of changes per daywith the age of the child.

2.8.2 Analysis by age bandsTo calculate the number of nappies used by an ‘average’ child, the changes per day weregrouped by age band, and multiplied by the percentage of children still in nappies,calculated earlier and the number of days in the age band. This gave the total number ofnappies used in each age band, which when summed provide an estimate of the totalnumber of nappies used over the lifetime that the child is in nappies. This was then


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divided by the total time in nappies (assumed to be 30 months for consistency) to obtainthe number of nappies used per day over the lifetime that the ‘average’ child is in nappies.The result was 4.05 changes per day. Table 2.16 outlines the calculations.

Table 2.16 Disposable nappies – those still in nappiesAgeband

Frequency mean SD Changesper day

% still innappies

Days inageband

Nappiesused inageband

up to 6months

90 6.98 2.15 6.98 100.0% 182.625 1274

6 to 12months

168 5.66 1.64 5.66 95.7% 182.625 990

12 to 18months

48 5.75 1.80 5.75 82.8% 182.625 869

18 to 24months

120 4.95 1.49 4.95 45.6% 182.625 412

24 to 30months

39 4.85 1.41 4.85 17.6% 182.625 156

30 to 36months

20 3.70 1.66 4.8% 0

36 to 42months

6 2.50 1.22 1.8% 0

42 to 48months

7 4.00 1.29 0.4% 0

48 to 54months

0 0 0 0.1% 0

54 to 60months

2 2.50 2.12 0.1% 0

60 to 66months

0.1% 0

66 to 72months

0.0% 0

Nappies used over lifetime that child is in nappies, assuming age outof nappies is 30 months

3700

Number of days in 30 months 913.125

Nappies per day used during daytime over period that child is innappies

4.05


This analysis does not take account of night-time use. To estimate this, a similarmethodology to Table 2.16 was applied, assuming that one nappy was being usedovernight. The percentage out of nappies was multiplied through to give the number ofnappies being used over the 30 months and then divided by the total number of days inthe time period. This result is shown in Table 2.17. This figure was added to the firstanalysis in Table 2.16 to obtain an estimate of 4.4 changes per day, covering children bothstill in and out of nappies over their first 30 months.


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Table 2.17 Disposable nappies – those out of nappiesAge band Frequency mean SD Changes

per day% out ofnappies

Days inageband

Nappiesused inage band

up to 6months

1.00 0.0% 182.625 0

6 to 12months

1.00 4.3% 182.625 8

12 to 18months

1.00 17.2% 182.625 31

18 to 24months

1.00 54.4% 182.625 99

24 to 30months

1.00 82.4% 182.625 151

30 to 36months

95.2% 0

36 to 42months

98.2% 0

42 to 48months

99.6% 0

48 to 54months

99.9% 0

54 to 60months

99.9% 0

60 to 66months

99.9% 0

66 to 72months

100.0% 0

Nappies used over lifetime that child is in nappies, assuming age out ofnappies is 30 months

289


Nappies per day used at night over period that child is in nappies0.32



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The same analysis is repeated in Tables 2.18 and 2.19 for reusable nappies.

Table 2.18 Reusable nappies – those still in nappiesAge band Frequency mean SD Changes

per day% still innappies

Days inageband


up to 6months

25 7.80 2.77 7.80 100.0% 182.625 1424

6 to 12months

32 5.84 2.96 5.84 95.7% 182.625 1021

12 to 18months

24 6.04 2.26 6.04 82.6% 182.625 911

18 to 24months

18 5.61 1.58 5.61 39.1% 182.625 401

24 to 30months

13 6.00 2.35 6.00 17.4% 182.625 191

30 to 36months

10 4.00 1.89 4.3% 0

36 to 42months

0.0% 0

42 to 48months

0.0% 0

48 to 54months

0.0% 0

54 to 60months

0.0% 0

60 to 66months

0.0% 0

66 to 72months

0.0% 0


3948


Nappies per day used during day over period that child is in nappies4.32

Source: TEST and Omnibus surveys


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Table 2.19 Reusable nappies – those out of nappiesAge band Frequency mean SD Changes

per day% out ofnappies

Days inageband


up to 6months

1.00 0.0% 182.625 0

6 to 12months

1.00 4.3% 182.625 8

12 to 18months

1.00 17.4% 182.625 32

18 to 24months

1.00 60.9% 182.625 111

24 to 30months

1.00 82.6% 182.625 151

30 to 36months

95.7% 0

36 to 42months

100.0% 0

42 to 48months

100.0% 0

48 to 54months

100.0% 0

54 to 60months

100.0% 0

60 to 66months

100.0% 0

66 to 72months

100.0% 0


302

Nappies used in 30 months 302Number of days in 30 months 913.125

Nappies per day used at night over period that child is in nappies0.33


This gives a figure of 4.7 for the average number of reusable nappies used per day over achild’s first 30 months.

The analysis above demonstrates as expected that the number of changes per day fallsas the child gets older. (Due to lower sample numbers, though, this pattern is not such aclear step change for reusables, see changes per day in Table 2.18).


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2.8.3 Analysis cross check using sales dataFor disposable nappies, we obtained annual nappy sales data from the AbsorbentHygiene Product Manufacturers Association (AHPMA). The number of disposable nappiessold in 2001 was 2.47 billion, which implies a figure of 6.77 million nappies sold per day.As a check on the previous calculation, an estimate of changes per day was calculated,based on this daily sales figure divided by how many children are using disposablenappies at any one time. The number of children who were aged up to 30 months at theend of 2001 was estimated using ONS population data. The ONS live birth figures wereadjusted for infant mortality to estimate the total number of children aged between 0 and30 months at December 2001. Table 2.20 shows the result.

As infant mortality rates are given as one figure for children up to one year old, themortality adjustment was offset in Table 2.20. For example, to obtain the figure of 170.9thousand births between Jan-Mar 1999 the infant mortality figure for March 2000 of 0.97thousand was subtracted from the ONS live birth figure of 171.9 thousand for Jan-Mar1999.

Table 2.20 ONS live births adjusted for mortalitythousands thousands thousandslive births infant mortality surviving

children1999 March 171.9 170.9

June 177.0 176.1September 180.3 179.3December 170.9 170.0

2000 March 168.2 0.97 167.2June 169.2 0.94 168.3September 173.8 0.96 172.9December 167.8 0.93 166.9

2001 March 164.9 0.98 164.0June 167.0 0.86 166.1September 171.7 0.90 170.9December 165.6 0.93 164.7

2002 March 0.89June 0.86September 0.83December 0.92

Surviving children born July 1999 to December2001

1690.3

Children aged up to 30 months old at endDecember 2001

1,690,340

Source: ONS population data


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The figure of 1,690,340 is for all children up to the age of 30 months old. Not all of thesechildren will be using disposable nappies, though. Applying the market share figurecalculated earlier (four per cent for reusables, hence 96 per cent for disposables), a figureof 1,628,474 for the number of children using disposable nappies at any one time wasobtained.

Dividing the total sales figure by 1,628,474, the number of disposable nappies sold perchild per day is 4.16, which is the estimated number of changes per day for disposablenappies. This figure compares with the 4.4 calculated using the survey data previously.

2.9 Number of reusable nappy changes per day with abowel movement

One hundred and seventeen people provided information on the number of changes a daythat contained a bowel movement. The number ranged from one to eight per day with anaverage of 2.3 ± 0.27 (95% CI).

When asked how bowel movements were disposed of from the nappy, 125 responseswere given. Respondents were allowed to choose more than one answer for this question.Overall, 107 people said that they flushed them down the toilet, 16 disposed of them withhousehold waste and 15 gave the answer ‘other’ which was unspecified.

For those respondents using terry nappies, 27 said they flushed them down the toilet, sixdisposed of them with household waste and one gave the answer ‘other’, which wasunspecified. Ignoring the ‘other’ response gives a proportion of 81 per cent flushing and 19per cent disposing with the household waste.

2.10 Number of nappies owned and in useThe responses from the 123 people who gave the number of nappies they currentlyowned and were using ranged from five to 100. The average owned was 23 nappies.

Table 2.21 shows the responses grouped by age. Table 2.22 gives similar data but only forthose using terry nappies.

Table 2.21 All reusable nappies – number of nappies ownedAge of child Frequency Mean SDup to 6 months 26 23.0 14.86 to 12 months 32 21.9 17.412 to 18 months 24 25.0 19.518 to 24 months 18 25.3 14.424 to 30 months 13 22.0 14.730 to 36 months 10 21.5 19.7Total 123 23.2 16.6Source: TEST survey


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Table 2.22 Terry nappies – number of nappies ownedAge of child Frequency Mean SDup to 6 months 4 20.8 10.46 to 12 months 9 28.1 15.112 to 18 months 10 35.6 26.118 to 24 months 2 47.5 17.724 to 30 months 4 23.5 8.430 to 36 months 2 43.5 44.5Total 31 31.2 20.5Source: TEST survey

The survey data presented here did not satisfactorily answer how many reusable nappiesparents bought for their child as it only examined current use, not how many nappies aperson bought in total. The terry nappy data showed that the number of nappies in useincreased until the child was aged 24 months, which suggests that parents buy morenappies as the child gets older.

2.11 More than one nappy used at a timeAll 127 respondents answered the question about using two nappies at once. Five percent said they used more than one nappy at a time always, 18 per cent sometimes did,but 77 per cent never doubled up.

Table 2.23 shows this information broken down into more detail for terry nappy users.Overall, 31 per cent of terry users doubled up at least some of the time.

Table 2.23 Terry nappies – whether more than one nappy is used at atimeAge of child Frequency Yes, always Yes,

sometimesNever

up to 6 months 4 0.0% 0.0% 100.0%6 to 12 months 9 11.1% 33.3% 55.6%12 to 18 months 10 10.0% 20.0% 70.0%18 to 24 months 2 0.0% 50.0% 50.0%24 to 30 months 5 0.0% 40.0% 60.0%30 to 36 months 2 0.0% 0.0% 100.0%Total 32 6.3% 25.0% 68.8%Source: TEST survey

2.12 Nappy washing behaviourAll 127 records provided details of how reusable nappies were washed. Respondentswere allowed to choose more than one answer for this question, but the 127 respondentsprovided a total of just 129 answers showing that only a minority used more than onemethod. One hundred and eighteen people washed nappies at home in the washingmachine, nine washed nappies at home by hand and two people took them to thelaunderette.


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Those people machine-washing nappies were asked a few more questions about washingdetails. These questions were not asked in relation to hand-washing because there wasno way from the survey methodology of estimating temperatures or water quantities.

2.12.1 Machine-washing nappies separatelyOne hundred and nineteen people answered the question about whether they washedtheir nappies separately. Table 2.24 shows the results for all nappy types, and Table 2.25gives more detail for those using only terry nappies.

Table 2.24 All reusable nappies – how often nappies are washed separatelyFrequency Percent

All the time 61 51.3%Most of the time 23 19.3%Sometimes 20 16.8%Very rarely 2 1.7%Never 13 10.9%Total 119 100%Source: TEST survey

Table 2.25 Terry nappies – how often nappies are washed separatelyFrequency Percent


For all types and for terry nappies alone, the most common way to wash is separately, in amachine.

A number of questions in the TEST survey followed the same format as the one in Tables2.24 and 2.25. For these questions, answers have been collated to produce one overallpercentage figure, assuming the following weighting for each response:

All the time 100%Most of the time 75%Sometimes 35%Very rarely 10%Never 0%

Using the weighting described above for the frequencies given, the overall proportion ofusers who washed terry nappies separately was estimated at 79 per cent.4

4 (63.3%×1)+(13.3%×0.75)+(16.7%×0.35)+(0.0%×0.10)+(6.7%×0)=79%


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2.12.2 Number of nappies in a loadWhen asked how many nappies make up a load, 101 responses were given, ranging fromfive to 28. The average number of nappies making up a load was 11.8 ± 0.99 (95% CI).

Washing about 12 nappies at a time is consistent with the data on changing about sixnappies a day.

2.12.3 Washing temperature for nappiesThe number of people providing the temperature at which they wash their nappies was117. Table 2.26 shows the responses related to all reusable nappy types, and Table 2.27shows the responses for those using only terry nappies.

Table 2.26 All reusable nappies – washing temperature in washing machineFrequency Percent

90/95˚C 24 20.5%80˚C 1 0.9%70˚C 2 1.7%60˚C 64 54.7%50˚C 6 5.1%40˚C 20 17.1%Total 117 100%Source: TEST survey

Table 2.27 Terry nappies – washing temperature in washing machineFrequency Percent

90/95˚C 9 32.1%80˚C 0 0.0%70˚C 2 7.1%60˚C 10 35.7%50˚C 2 7.1%40˚C 5 17.9%Total 28 100%Source: TEST survey

Most people machine-wash reusable nappies at 60˚C. The difference, between the terryproportion (10/28 = 0.357) and the non-terry proportion (54/89 = 0.607) produces a P-value of 0.02, so the difference is statistically significant (P<0.05).

The results seem to reflect the washing temperatures more commonly available onmachines (40˚C, 60˚C and 90/95˚C). They may also reflect a desire to boil-wash nappiesor to use a hot cotton wash. Together, these account for two thirds of responses.

2.12.4 Nappy washing agentsThe 117 people above also provided information about the type of washing agent that theyuse for machine-washing nappies. Respondents were allowed to choose more than oneanswer for this question.


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Table 2.28 Reusable nappies – type of washing agentn=117 alln=30 terry

All reusables- frequency

terry -frequency

Biological 5 3Non-biological 84 23Eco biological 9 2Eco non-biological 26 4Other 1 0Total responses 125 32Source: TEST survey

Table 2.29 Reusable nappies – type of washing agentn=117 alln=30 terry


terry -frequency

Powder 83 23Tablet 17 5Liquid 25 4Liquidabs 2 2Other 1 0Total responses 128 34Source: TEST survey

The majority of people were using non-biological powder. This pattern was reflectedamong the terry nappy users.

2.12.5 Use of fabric softenerTables 2.30 and 2.31 show that almost a quarter of reusable users put fabric softener inwith the nappy wash, even though it reduces the absorbency of reusable nappies.

Table 2.30 Reusable nappies – use of fabric softenerFrequency Percent

Yes, always 22 18.5%Yes, sometimes 5 4.2%Never 92 77.3%Total 119 100%Source: TEST survey

Use of fabric softener is even more common among terry nappy users. The differencebetween terry and non-terry responses is highly statistically significant (P<0.001).

Table 2.31 Terry nappies – use of fabric softenerFrequency Percent



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Collating the terry nappy answers to produce one overall figure based on the weightingsgiven in 2.21.2 it was estimated that 49 per cent5 of terry nappy users used fabric softener.

2.12.6 Soaking or pre-treatingIn total 126 people responded to the question about whether they soaked or pre-treatednappies before washing them.

Table 2.32 Reusable nappies – how often nappies are soaked or pre-treatedFrequency Percent


Table 2.33 Terry nappies – how often nappies are soaked or pre-treatedFrequency Percent


Using the weightings described in 2.12.1, it was estimated that soaking and pre-treatingwas used 80 per cent6 of the time by terry nappy users.

Of the 126 people above, 102 also responded to how they soaked or pre-treated nappies.Respondents were allowed to choose more than one answer for this question.

5 (46.7%×1)+(6.7%×0.35)+(46.7%×0)=49%6 (65.6%×1)+(15.6%×0.75)+(6.3%×0.35)+(3.1%×0.10)+(9.4%×0)=80%


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Table 2.34 Reusable nappies – how nappies are soaked or pre-treatedn=102 alln=29 terry

All reusables– frequency

terry - frequency

In water only 13 1In soap/detergent 11 4In household bleach 4 2In ecobleach 1 0In domestic borax 1 1In a sanitiser 33 15In an eco sanitiser 28 7In tea tree oil 22 2In sodium bicarbonate 3 0Other 6 2Total responses 122 34Source: TEST survey

These responses show differences in behaviour between terry users and other reusableusers. Some 41 per cent of responses for all nappy types were for an eco-sanitiser or teatree oil, while the most common answer, 44 per cent, for terry users was a sanitisingsolution.

2.13 Nappy drying behaviourEveryone answered the question about drying nappies. Respondents were allowed tochoose more than one answer for this question. They had to think about what they did inboth the summer and winter.

Table 2.35 Reusable nappies – how nappies are driedn=127 alln=32 terry

All reusables –frequency

terry -frequency

Spin 22 5Tumble dry 73 14Air dry indoors on clothes line 59 14Air dry outdoors on clothes line 93 26Dry in airing cupboard 10 0Dry on radiators 26 9Dry elsewhere in house 6 2Dry elsewhere outside 7 3Other 1 0Total responses 297 73Source: TEST survey

It was very difficult to draw any firm conclusions from this multiple response question. Togain more detail, the responses from the 73 people who tumble dried nappies wereanalysed to find out the other methods they were using. Table 2.36 shows the result.


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Table 2.36 Reusable nappies – how else nappies are dried if tumble driedn=73 All reusables – frequencySpin 10Air dry indoors on clothes line 23Air dry outdoors on clothes line 47Dry in airing cupboard 8Dry on radiators 9Dry elsewhere in house 0Dry elsewhere outside 2Other 1Total responses 100Source: TEST survey

Sixty-four per cent (47 out of 73) of people air dry outdoors as well as tumble dry, whichsuggests that the weather dictates their choice of method, though there was no way ofknowing when one method was chosen in preference to another.

The survey examined only the various drying options. It did not focus on the reasons for,and frequency of, using each method. So the survey data presented here do notsatisfactorily answer questions about how often people tumble-dried and how often theydried using other methods.

2.13.1 IroningParents were also asked whether they ironed nappies after washing and drying them.Everyone responded.

Table 2.37 All reusable nappies – are nappies ironedFrequency Percent


Table 2.38 Terry nappies – are nappies ironedFrequency Percent


Collating the terry nappy answers by weighting as before, (see 2.21.2), to estimate oneoverall figure, it was estimated that 10 per cent7 of terry nappy users iron nappies.

7 (6.3%×1)+(9.4%×0.35)+(84.4%×0)=9.5%


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2.14 End of life of nappiesEveryone answered the question about what they do with the nappies when their child nolonger needs them. Respondents were allowed to choose more than one answer for thisquestion.

Table 2.39 All reusable nappies – what happens when nappies are no longerneededn=127 alln=32 terry


terry -frequency

I keep them in case I have another child 70 15I give them away 35 9I dispose of them with other household waste 6 1I dispose of them separately from householdwaste

3 1

I sell them 12 1I use them for household tasks 12 6I use them for hand towels 3 1Put in cloths bank/recycle 1 0Other 4 2Total responses 146 36Source: TEST survey

Hardly anyone disposed of or put their nappies out for recycling after their child was potty-trained. Forty-seven per cent of terry users and 55 per cent of all reusable users keepnappies in case they have another child.

2.15 Nappies used previously on another child126 people answered the question about whether they had used their nappies previouslyon another child. Of these, 21 per cent said that they had used them all before, 19 percent said that some of them had been used before, but 60 per cent had not used any ofthem previously on another child.


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3 Over-pants (including waterproofpants)

3.1 Users of over-pantsRespondents were asked when using reusable nappies, how often, if at all, they usedwaterproof or over-pants, which includes any pants that are worn over the nappy itself butnot those that are clothes. The responses for all users of reusables are shown in Table 3.1and those for terry nappy users are shown in Table 3.2.

Table 3.1 All reusable nappies – how often waterproof or over-pants are usedFrequency Percent


Table 3.2 Terry nappies – how often waterproof or over-pants are usedFrequency Percent


After collating these figures as before, 95 per cent8 of terry nappy users used waterproofor over-pants.

3.2 Type of over-pant usedThe question about the types of over-pants used was answered by 116 people. (The 127respondents overall minus the 11 people who said that they never used over-pants).Respondents were allowed to choose more than one answer for this question.

8 (87.5%×1)+(9.4%×0.75)+(0.0%×0.35)+(0.0%×0.10)+(3.1%×0)=94.5%


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Table 3.3 Reusable nappies – type of waterproof or over-pant usedn=116 alln=32 terry


terry - frequency

Cotton/cotton mix 32 6Wool 9 2Fleece 5 1Nylon 15 4Polyester 44 7PVC 22 16Other 6 0Don't know looks like plastic 15 7Total 148 43Source: TEST survey

Fifty per cent of terry nappy users are using PVC pants.

3.3 Number of over-pants owned and in useIn total, 113 people provided information on the number of waterproof or over-pants theycurrently owned and were using. Numbers ranged from two to 30. The overall averageowned was seven wraps/pants.

Table 3.4 shows the responses grouped by age. Table 3.5 gives similar data for thoseusing only terry nappies.

Table 3.4 All reusable nappies – number of waterproof or over-pants ownedAge of child Frequency Mean SDup to 6 months 23 7.3 4.86 to 12 months 29 7.1 4.712 to 18 months 24 8.0 6.718 to 24 months 16 6.3 3.424 to 30 months 11 6.3 3.130 to 36 months 10 6.2 6.8Total 113 7.1 5.1Source: TEST survey

Table 3.5 Terry nappies – number of waterproof or over-pants ownedAge of child Frequency Mean SDUp to 6 months 4 9.8 8.06 to 12 months 9 9.3 3.512 to 18 months 10 10.3 8.418 to 24 months 2 8.5 2.124 to 30 months 4 6.5 3.030 to 36 months 2 14.0 15.6Total 31 9.6 6.5Source: TEST survey


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The data show that terry nappy users in our sample own more waterproof or over-pantsthan people using other types of nappy. The difference between terry and non-terryresponses is highly statistically significant at P<0.001.

3.4 Over-pants used previously on another childOne hundred and sixteen people said that they had previously used these samewaterproof pants or over-pants on another child. Of these, 13 per cent said that they’dused them all before, 15 per cent said that some of them had been used before. Butseventy-two per cent of respondents had not used any of them on another childpreviously.

3.5 How long over-pants lastIn total, 103 people replied to a question about how long each pair of waterproof or over-pants lasts before it is replaced. They were asked to think of replacements made whenthey had worn out due to use rather than when their child had grown out of them. Theresults are shown in Tables 3.6 and 3.7.

Table 3.6 All reusable nappies – how long waterproof or over-pants lastFrequency Percent

Less than one week 0 0.0%One week to a month 5 4.9%Over one to six months 17 16.5%Over six to twelve months 11 10.7%Over one year to two years 5 4.9%Over two years to three years 2 1.9%Never replace them 63 61.2%Total 103 100%Source: TEST survey

Table 3.7 Terry nappies – how long waterproof or over-pants lastFrequency Percent

Less than one week 0 0.0%One week to a month 4 13.8%Over one to six months 7 24.1%Over six to twelve months 4 13.8%Over one year to two years 0 0.0%Over two years to three years 0 0.0%Never replace them 14 48.3%Total 29 100%Source: TEST survey

Due to the way this question was asked in timebands, it is not possible to calculate anoverall average life for waterproof or over-pants. The results show that 48 per cent of terrynappy users never replaced over-pants due to wearing out. There is, though, no statisticaldifference between the responses for terry and non-terry users.


34

3.6 Over-pant washing behaviourThe question about how waterproof or over-pants are washed was answered by 115people. Respondents were allowed to choose more than one answer for this question.

Table 3.8 Reusable nappies – how waterproof or over-pants washedN=115 allN=30 terry


Terry – frequency

In the washing machine with otherlaundry

77 17

In the washing machine on their own 17 6Hand wash with water only 10 7Hand wash with soap/detergent 21 4Hand wash with other washingproduct

1 0

Other 4 1Total responses 130 35Source: TEST survey

More than half of terry nappy users (57 per cent) machine-washed over-pants in a mixedload, a proportion similar to that for all users (67 per cent).

3.6.1 Washing temperature for over-pantsThose people using a washing machine were asked to give details about washingtemperature. The 92 people who responded were allowed to choose more than oneanswer for this question.

Table 3.9 Reusable nappies – washing temperature in washing machinen=92 alln=23 terryn=11 PVC

All reusables –frequency

terry -frequency

PVC -frequency

90/95˚C 4 2 080˚C 0 0 070˚C 1 1 060˚C 31 8 250˚C 6 1 040˚C 47 10 730˚C 3 1 1Cold rinse 1 1 1Total 93 24 11Source: TEST survey

The most frequent washing temperature for all these cuts of the data was 40°C.


35

3.6.2 Washing frequencyEveryone using waterproof or over-pants was asked how often, on average, they washedthem. One hundred and thirteen people provided details.

Table 3.10 All reusable nappies – frequency of washing waterproof orover-pants

Frequency PercentEvery use 27 23.9%Every other use 14 12.4%Every 2-3 uses 32 28.3%Every 4-5 uses 26 23.0%Every 6-10 uses 12 10.6%Less often 1 0.9%Never 1 0.9%Total 113 100%Source: TEST survey

Table 3.11 Terry nappies – frequency of washing waterproof or over-pantsFrequency Percent

Every use 9 30.0%Every other use 4 13.3%Every 2-3 uses 9 30.0%Every 4-5 uses 4 13.3%Every 6-10 uses 3 10.0%Less often 0 0.0%Never 1 3.3%Total 30 100%Source: TEST survey

As in previous questions, terry-nappy answers were collated to produce one overall figurefor the percentage or over-pant uses followed by washing. This was achieved byassuming the following frequency weighting for each response:

Every use 100%Every other use 50%Every 2-3 uses 33%Every 4-5 uses 20%Every 6-10 uses 10%Less often 0%Never 0%

Overall, 50 per cent9 of over-pant uses are followed by washing. In other words, theaverage number of uses between washes is two.

9 (30.0%×1)+(13.3%×0.5)+(30.0%×0.33)+(13.3%×0.20)+(10%×0.1)+(3.3%×0)=50.2%


36

3.7 Over-pants drying behaviourEveryone using waterproof or over-pants answered this question about drying.Respondents were allowed to choose more than one answer for this question. They had tothink about what they did in both the summer and winter.

Table 3.12 Reusable nappies – how waterproof or over-pants are driedn=116 alln=32 terry


terry - frequency

Spin 10 1Tumble dry 19 3Air dry indoors on clothes line 63 14Air dry outdoors on clothes line 73 20Dry in airing cupboard 11 3Dry on radiators 20 8Dry elsewhere in house 11 3Dry elsewhere outside 7 2Other 1 0Total responses 215 54Source: TEST survey

Even though it is difficult to draw any firm conclusions about people’s preferred optionfrom a multi-response question, the data above strongly suggest that air-drying is the mostpopular method for drying waterproof or over-pants.


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4 Absorbent booster pads4.1 Users of absorbent booster padsRespondents were asked when using reusable nappies, how often, if at all, they usedabsorbent booster pads. The responses for all users of reusables are shown in Table 4.1and those for terry nappy users are shown in Table 4.2.

Table 4.1 All reusable nappies – how often absorbent booster pads are usedFrequency Percent


Table 4.2 Terry nappies – how often absorbent booster pads are usedFrequency

Percent


The answers were once again collated to produce one overall figure of 26 per cent10 ofterry nappy users using absorbent booster pads.

4.2 Type of absorbent booster padOverall, 70 people gave details of the types of absorbent booster pad used.

Table 4.3 All reusable nappies – type of absorbent booster pad usedFrequency Percent

Disposable 6 8.6%Re-usable 60 85.7%Both 4 5.7%Total 70 100%Source: TEST survey

10 (12.5%×1)+(9.4%×0.75)+(15.6%×0.35)+(9.4%×0.10)+(53.1%×0)=25.9%


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Table 4.4 Terry nappies – type of absorbent booster pad usedFrequency Percent

Disposable 4 26.7%Re-usable 9 60.0%Both 2 13.3%Total 15 100%Source: TEST survey

Reusable absorbent booster pads were the most popular among those surveyed. Theyare actually more popular among non-terry users as the difference is highly statisticallysignificant (P<0.001).

4.3 Number of absorbent booster pads owned and in usePeople using reusable absorbent booster pads were also asked to think about how manythey currently owned and were using. Numbers ranged from one to 30 for the 64responses given. The overall average number of absorbent booster pads owned was 10 ±1.68 (95%).

Table 4.5 All reusable nappies – number of absorbent booster pads ownedAge of child Frequency Mean SDup to 6 months 12 8.3 5.26 to 12 months 18 9.4 5.312 to 18 months 14 9.1 7.418 to 24 months 8 12.5 7.924 to 30 months 4 19.0 9.630 to 36 months 8 10.0 6.7Total 64 10.2 6.8Source: TEST survey

Table 4.6 Terry nappies – number of absorbent booster pads ownedAge of child Frequency Mean SDup to 6 months 2 9.0 1.46 to 12 months 3 8.0 3.512 to 18 months 3 10.0 2.018 to 24 months 1 10.0 024 to 30 months 0 0 030 to 36 months 2 5.5 6.4Total 11 8.5 3.2Source: TEST survey


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5 Nappy liners5.1 Users of nappy linersRespondents were asked when using reusable nappies, how often, if at all, they usednappy liners. The responses for all users of reusables are shown in Table 5.1 and thosefor terry nappy users are shown in Table 5.2.

Table 5.1 All reusable nappies – how often nappy liners are usedFrequency Percent


Table 5.2 Terry nappies – how often nappy liners are usedFrequency Percent


The answers were once again collated to produce one overall figure of 86 per cent11 ofterry nappy users using nappy liners.

5.2 Type of nappy linerIn total 111 people gave details of the types of nappy liner used. Respondents wereallowed to choose more than one answer for this question.

11 (75.0%×1)+(9.4%×0.75)+(9.4%×0.35)+(6.3%×0.10)+(0.0%×0)=85.9%


40

Table 5.3 Reusable nappies – type of nappy liner usedn=111 alln=32 terry


terry - frequency

Disposable flushable 85 16Disposable non-flushable 19 14Reusable fleece 15 3Reusable nylon 4 2Reusable polyester 4 0Other 7 2Total 134 37Source: TEST survey

Fifty per cent of terry nappy users use disposable flushable liners (16/32) and 44 per centuse disposable non-flushable liners (14/32). Reusable liners are not so commonly used.

5.3 Number of nappy liners used in 24 hoursPeople using nappy liners were asked to think about how many they used in a day.Numbers ranged from one to 24 for the 108 responses given. The overall average numberof nappy liners used per day was 5.9 ± 0.51(95% CI).

Table 5.4 All reusable nappies – number of nappy liners used in 24 hoursAge of child Frequency Mean SDup to 6 months 21 6.7 1.76 to 12 months 31 5.5 2.012 to 18 months 20 6.6 4.518 to 24 months 16 5.3 1.924 to 30 months 13 5.8 2.730 to 36 months 7 4.3 1.7Total 108 5.9 2.7Source: TEST survey

Table 5.5 Terry nappies – number of nappy liners used in 24 hoursAge of child Frequency Mean SDup to 6 months 4 5.8 2.66 to 12 months 9 5.9 2.512 to 18 months 10 7.2 6.318 to 24 months 2 4.5 0.724 to 30 months 5 6.4 1.130 to 36 months 2 2.5 2.1Total 32 6.1 3.9Source: TEST survey

Referring back to section 2.8, this data on the number of liners used per day supports thedata that people change nappies about six times a day. This suggests that those usingliners use one per nappy change.


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6 Conclusions• The market share for reusable nappies was calculated at four per cent for those

respondents with children under three years old. This figure takes a ‘reusable user’ tobe anyone who uses washable nappies some or all of the time.

• Overall, four per cent of respondents to the Omnibus survey used both reusables anddisposables. This mixed usage was something that was not anticipated beforecarrying out the surveys. For those answering the TEST survey, 88 per cent said thatthey had used disposable nappies instead of reusable nappies at times.

• Both the Omnibus and TEST surveys showed that more people bought terry nappiesthan any other reusable nappy type.

• Reasons associated with the environment (including using fewer chemicals) accountedfor 60 per cent of responses to why reusable nappies are used. Thirty-five per centof responses related to cost.

• For disposable users, the average number of changes per day was estimated as4.4. This figure compares with the 4.16 calculated using disposable sales data.

• The average number of changes per day for reusable nappies was 4.7.

• There is no statistically significant difference between the average age out of nappiesfor disposable and reusable nappies. The average age out of nappies is around twoyears and two months.

• The overall proportion of users who washed terry nappies separately was estimated at79 per cent. The average number of nappies making up a load was 12, and more thana third of people machine-washed terry nappies at 60°c.

• The majority of people use non-biological washing powder. Forty-nine per cent of terrynappy users used fabric softener, and soaking and pre-treating was used 80 per centof the time for terry nappies.

• It was very difficult to draw any firm conclusions for nappy drying behaviour, as thequestion did not focus on the reasoning and frequency of using each drying method.

• Ten per cent of terry nappy users iron nappies.

• Overall, 31 per cent of terry users used more than one nappy at once at least someof the time.

• Twenty-six per cent of terry nappy users use absorbent booster pads. Reusable oneswere the most popular.

• Eighty-six per cent of terry nappy users use nappy liners. Disposable liners were themost commonly used. On average six nappy liners are used per day.


42

7 Recommendations for further work7.1 Questionnaire designIt would now be possible to prioritise the questions used to reduce the overall length of thequestionnaire and the complexity of some of the responses.

From the survey results, it is apparent that a percentage of respondents used bothreusables and disposables, something that was not anticipated. On reflection, it wouldhave helped to carry out a pilot study first and then to review the questionnaire based oninitial responses.

The question relating to drying nappies did not work effectively. To obtain the informationrequired, this question needs to be less complex. There was also no clear way of knowingfrom the responses whether people who answered ‘spin’ meant that they were using anextra spin cycle or whether they were just thinking about spinning at the end of a normalmachine washing cycle. Improved wording on drying behaviour is needed for any futurestudies, including splitting responses for summer and winter behaviour.

The TEST survey asked, “In total, how many washable cloth nappies do you own that arecurrently in use for this child?” This question was not best phrased to obtain theinformation on how many nappies were owned in total over the child’s lifetime in nappies,or in other words, what was the total number of reusable nappies purchased for that child.

Further work could be carried out to determine the total nappy supply parents purchasewhen using reusable nappies for their child, and it would also be interesting to look at bytype of reusable nappy.

7.2 Sample size of nappy typesMost users in the surveys were using terry nappies. This enabled some sub-analysis to becarried out of terry nappy usage, but the sample numbers for other reusable nappy typeswere too small to do any similar analysis. Any diversity that might exist in the use ofnappies by type could therefore not be studied fully.

Though both surveys included responses from reusable users, the analysis that could becarried out in relation to them was limited by the number of people surveyed andspecifically by the number of responses to each question. The precision of and theconfidence levels associated with the estimates also depend on the sample size and thevariability of the responses given by those being sampled.

A larger sample with a higher number of responses to key questions would have made amore in-depth analysis possible. Further work to increase the sample sizes of reusablenappy users would be very valuable. The number of responses was restricted by themarket share of reusables being less than 10 per cent. Finding current or recent users ofreusable nappies was severely restricted by this combined with time and budgetconstraints.


43

These surveys were used to estimate the market share of reusable nappies based on userresponses from the sample. Repeating the survey regularly would allow any changes inmarket share, for example, due to new nappy types, to be estimated.


44

Annex A: Omnibus questionnaireModule 316 Disposable/Reusable Nappies for the Environment Agency

ASK IF: QRelResp.Parent1 = Yes

M316_IntroThe next set of questions is about the types of nappies you use (have used in the past) for your child(ren).

(1) PRESS <1> TO CONTINUE


M316_1ASK OR RECORD

May I just check, how many children aged under 10 in the household are you the parent/guardian of?

0..10

Next set of questions asked as an array


M316_2ASK OR RECORD

How old is your (youngest/next youngest) child?

INTERVIEWER: RECORD IN YEARS AND MONTHS TO NEAREST WHOLE MONTH. 3 YEARS 8 MONTHS SHOULD BE CODED AS 03.08

0.00..9.11

ASK IF: QRelResp.Parent1 = YesAND: M316_2 < 5

M316_3May I just check, are you still using nappies on your child during the day?

DO NOT INCLUDE TRAINING PANTS/PULL-UPS

(1) Yes(2) No(3) Don't know


45

ASK IF: QRelResp.Parent1 = Yes AND: M316_3 <> DontKAND: (M316_2 > 4.11) OR (M316_3 = No)

M316_4At what age did your (this) child stop using nappies during the day?

INTERVIEWER: RECORD IN YEARS AND MONTHS TO NEAREST WHOLE MONTH. 3 YEARS 8 MONTHS SHOULD BE CODED 03.08.

PULL-UPS/TRAINING PANTS ARE NOT INCLUDED AS NAPPIES

AN ESTIMATE IS ACCEPTABLE

0.00..4.11

ASK IF: QRelResp.Parent1 = Yes AND: M316_3 <> DontK

M316_5Thinking back to the time when your child was still in nappies, did/do you use disposable nappies, reusablenappies or both disposable and reusable nappies?

INTERVIEWER: DO NOT INCLUDE PULL-UPS

(1) Disposable only(2) Reusable only(3) Both disposable and reusable(4) Don't know/ Can't remember

ASK IF: QRelResp.Parent1 = Yes AND: M316_3 <> DontKAND: M316_5 <> DontKAND: (M316_5 = ReuseOnly) OR (M316_5 = Both)

M316_6MSHOWCARD C316_6M

What type or types of reusable nappy did/do you use? Please use this card as a guide.

CODE ALL THAT APPLY

SET [6] OF(1) All in one reusable nappies - home laundered(2) Shaped reusable nappies with wrap - commercially laundered(3) Shaped reusable nappies with wrap - home laundered(4) Flat terry reusable nappies - commercially laundered(5) Flat terry reusable nappies - home laundered(6) Other (please specify)


46

ASK IF: QRelResp.Parent1 = Yes AND: M316_3 <> DontKAND: M316_5 <> DontKAND: (M316_5 = ReuseOnly) OR (M316_5 = Both)AND: Other IN M316_6M

Spec1INTERVIEWER: RECORD OTHER TYPE OF NAPPY USED

STRING[255]

ASK IF: QRelResp.Parent1 = Yes AND: M316_3 <> DontKAND: M316_5 <> DontKAND: M316_5 = Both

M316_7SHOWCARD C316_6M

What type of nappy did/do you mainly use?

(1) All in one reusable nappies - home laundered(2) Shaped reusable nappies with wrap - commercially laundered(3) Shaped reusable nappies with wrap - home laundered(4) Flat terry reusable nappies - commercially laundered(5) Flat terry reusable nappies - home laundered(6) Other (please specify)

ASK IF: QRelResp.Parent1 = Yes AND: M316_3 <> DontKAND: M316_5 <> DontKAND: M316_8 = Other

Spec2INTERVIEWER: RECORD OTHER TYPE OF NAPPY MAINLY USED

STRING[255]

ASK IF: QRelResp.Parent1 = Yes AND: M316_3 <> DontKAND: M316_5 <> DontKAND: M316_3 = Yes

M316_8What type of nappy did/do you mainly use? Disposable or reusable?

(1) Disposable(2) Reusable


47

ASK IF: QRelResp.Parent1 = Yes AND: M316_3 <> DontKAND: M316_5 <> DontKAND: (M316_6M.CARDINAL > 1) OR (M316_7 = Reusable)

M316_9On average, how many nappy changes does your child need, in a 24 hour period?

1..97

DISPLAY IF: QRelResp.Parent1 = Yes AND: M316_3 <> DontKAND: M316_5 <> DontK

DVM316DV to show type of nappy mainly used

(1) Disposable(2) Reusable


48

Annex B: TEST questionnaireTEST/J1410 (MORI/JN19023 ) Serial No........……(1-4) OUO (5-8)Project Nappy (Final 5 Mar 2003)

Name.............................................................

Address .........................................................

.......................................................................

.......................................................................

Postcode........................................................

Telephone(home) ..........................................

(work).............................................................

Sampling point name:write in--------------------------------------------

Sampling point number:

(10) (11)

Sex (12)Male ............................................. 1Female ......................................... 2

Age (13)under16 not eligible18-24............................................ 125-34............................................ 235-44............................................ 345-50............................................ 4Over 50 ....................................... 5

Occupation of Chief Income Earner(WRITE IN)Position/rank/grade

.......................................................Industry

.......................................................Qual/degrees/apprents.

.......................................................No of staff responsible for

.......................................................


49

Class (CODE) (14)AB ................................................ 1C1 ................................................ 2C2 ................................................ 3DE ................................................ 4

Currently on maternity leave? (15)

Yes............................................... 1No ................................................ 2

Work Status (16)Working full time (30+ h/wk)......... 1Working part time (8-29h/wk) ....... 2Not working .................................. 3

Interviewer DeclarationI confirm that I have conducted this interview face-to face with the above named person at the location marked onthis page and that I asked all relevant questions fully, and recorded the answers in full conformance with the surveyspecifications and in accordance with the MRS code of conduct.

Interviewer signature:

.......................................................

Length of interview minutes (17) (18)

Interviewer name:

.......................................................

Interviewer No : / (19) (20) (21) (22) (23)

Date of interview ......................... . (24)(25)(26)(27)

Time of start of Interview.... (24hr clock) hrs mins

Good morning/afternoon. My name is ..... and I’m working on behalf of Test Research, part of theMORI research organisation. We are conducting a survey amongst people with children in thisarea, would you be willing to help?

Recruitment Questionnaire

A. Are you a parent or guardian of any children aged under 36 months?(29)

Yes .......................................................................................1 GO TO BNo.........................................................................................2 THANK AND CLOSE

2003


50

WHEN ANSWERING ALL THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS, PLEASE THINK ABOUT THEYOUNGEST CHILD ONLY, BY THAT I MEAN THE CHILD WHO WAS DELIVERED LAST.

NOW GO TO F

B. How many children aged under 36 months do you have in your household who currentlyuse washable cloth nappies?

(30)One.......................................................................................1 GO TO GTwo ......................................................................................2Three ....................................................................................3Four ......................................................................................4Five or more.........................................................................5 GO TO DNone.....................................................................................6 GO TO C

C How many children aged under 36 months do you have in your household who have usedwashable cloth nappies in the past?

(31)One ............................................................................. 1 GO TO GTwo ............................................................................. 2Three........................................................................... 3Four............................................................................. 4Five or more................................................................ 5 GO TO DNone............................................................................ 6 THANK AND CLOSE

GO TO D IF RESPONDENT SAYS TWO OR MORE CHILDREN AT B OR C

D

YOU SAID YOU HAVE MORE THAN ONE CHILD WHO CURRENTLY USES / HAS EVER USED (READOUT AS APPROPRIATE) WASHABLE CLOTH NAPPIES. PLEASE ONLY THINK ABOUT THEYOUNGEST CHILD WHO IS CURRENTLY USING / HAS EVER USED THESE NAPPIES WHENANSWERING ALL THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS.

CAN I JUST CHECK, IS THIS CHILD ONE OF TWINS, TRIPLETS, QUADRUPLETS OR FROM ALARGER GROUP?

(32)Yes .......................................................................................1 READ OUT E BELOWNo.........................................................................................2 GO TO G

E


51

ASK F IF CHILD IS A TWIN, TRIPLET, QUADRUPLET OR FROM A LARGER GROUP ('YES' AT D)OTHERS GO TO G

F. Is this child a twin, triplet, quadruplet or from a larger group?(33)

Twin .....................................................................................1Triplet...................................................................................2Quadruplet ...........................................................................3Larger group ........................................................................4Not from a multiple birth.....................................................5

ASK ALL

G. What is the sex of your youngest child who currently uses / has ever used READ OUT ASAPPROPRIATE washable cloth nappies?

(34)Male .....................................................................................1Female..................................................................................2

H. And what is the age of this child in months?(35)

0 to 5 months .............................................................. 16 to 11 months ............................................................ 212 to 17 months.......................................................... 3 GO TO MAIN18 to 23 months.......................................................... 4 INTERVIEW24 to 29 months.......................................................... 530 to 35 months.......................................................... 636 months or above.................................................... 7 THANK AND CLOSE

Type and usage of washable cloth nappies

INTERVIEWER READ OUT: I AM NOW GOING TO ASK YOU SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT THE TYPESOF WASHABLE CLOTH NAPPIES YOU USE / USED ON YOUR CHILD

IF MORE THAN ONE CHILD IN HOUSEHOLD ALSO SAY: PLEASE THINK ABOUT YOUR YOUNGESTCHILD WHO USES / USED THESE NAPPIES WHEN ANSWERING

Q 1. SHOWCARD A What type or types of washable cloth nappy have / did you regularly used /use on this child? CODE ALL THAT APPLY

(36)All in one washable cloth nappy ........................................1Shaped sized/ fitted washable cloth nappy .........................2Shaped one size washable cloth nappy ...............................3Prefold washable cloth nappy..............................................4Flat terry washable cloth nappy ..........................................5Other (write in) ..................................................................................................................................................................6

IF MORE THAN ONE MENTIONED AT Q1 GO TO Q2, OTHERWISE GO TO Q3


52

Q 2. SHOWCARD A And what one of these do / did you most often use? SINGLE CODE ONLY(37)

All in one washable cloth nappy ........................................1Shaped sized/ fitted washable cloth nappy .........................2Shaped one size washable cloth nappy ...............................3Prefold washable cloth nappy..............................................4Flat terry washable cloth nappy ..........................................5Other (write in) ..................................................................................................................................................................6

ASK ALL

Q.3. Can you tell me why you use / used washable cloth nappies? CODE ALL REASONSMENTIONED. DO NOT PROMPT

(38)Cheaper / more economical.................................................1More comfortable to wear ...................................................2Better performance/absorbency...........................................3More environmentally friendly ...........................................4Contains less chemicals.......................................................5Less likely to cause nappy rash ...........................................6They are nice to use / a nice product...................................7Recommendation from a friend / family.............................8Recommendation from a medical practitioner....................9I was given a sample to try ..................................................0

(39)I was given them by someone else who hadfinished with them ...............................................................1Other (Please write in).......................................................................................................................................................2

IF USED WASHABLE CLOTH NAPPIES IN THE PAST QC (CODES 1-5) ASK Q4A OTHERS GO TO Q5

4a. At what age did this child last wear washable cloth nappies both during the day and atnight?

(40)0 to 5 months .............................................................. 16 to 11 months ............................................................ 212 to 17 months.......................................................... 318 to 23 months.......................................................... 424 to 29 months.......................................................... 530 to 36 months.......................................................... 6

IF CURRENTLY USE WASHABLE CLOTH NAPPIES QB (CODED 1-5) ASK Q4B OTHERS GO TO Q5

IMPORTANT INTERVIEWER NOTE!

IF RESPONDENT DOES NOT CURRENTLY USE WASHABLE CLOTH NAPPIES BUT USED THEM INTHE PAST (QC CODES 1-5) READ OUT THE FOLLOWING:

'I m now going to ask you some questions about your usage of washable cloth nappies.As this child no longer wears washable cloth nappies please think of the last sixmonths when your child was wearing them both during the day and at night whenanswering the following questions'.


53

4b. Is your child currently wearing washable cloth nappies all the time?IF NO SAY: Does your child only wear them during the night or only during the day?

(41)Yes .............................................................................. 1No, only at night.......................................................... 2No, only during the day .............................................. 3Varies.......................................................................... 4

ASK ALL

Q.5 IF CURRENTLY USE In total, how many washable cloth nappies do you own that arecurrently in use for this child?

IF USED IN PAST: In total, how many washable cloth nappies did you own in the last sixmonths when this child was wearing nappies both during the day and at night?

WRITE IN NUMBER. USE LEADING ZEROS. IF UNSURE ASK TO ESTIMATEIF DON'T KNOW CODE XXX

(42) (43) (44)

Q6 Have / had these washable cloth nappies been used previously on an other child?IF YES: SAY 'Is that all or some of them'?

(45)Yes, all of them........................................................... 1Yes, some of them...................................................... 2No................................................................................ 3

Q 7. On average, how many times do / did you change your child’s washable cloth nappy over a24 hour period?

IF USED IN PAST SAY: 'Please think of the last six months when your child was wearing these nappiesboth during the day and at night '.

IF RESPONDENT SAYS IT VARIES, PLEASE ASK THEM FOR THE AVERAGE


(46) (47) (48)

Q.8. On average, over a 24 hour period, how many times when you change / changed a nappy has /did your child had / have a bowel movement?

IF USED IN PAST SAY: 'Again, please think of the last six months when your child was wearingthese nappies both during the day and at night '.


(49) (50) (51)


54

Q.9. How do / did you dispose of these contents (bowel movements) from the nappy?(52)

I dispose of them via the waste/ waste bin / dustbin . 1I flush them down the toilet......................................... 2Other (write in) ............................................................ 3

Q.10. Do / did you ever double up nappies, by that I mean use more than one nappy at a time?IF YES: SAY Is that always or sometimes?

(53)Yes, always................................................................. 1Yes, sometimes .......................................................... 2Never........................................................................... 3

Q 11. Do / did you ever use disposable nappies instead of washable cloth nappies for your child?

(54)Yes ............................................................................. 1 GO TO Q12No ............................................................................... 2 GO TO Q13

Q.12. On what occasions would you use disposable nappies rather than washable cloth nappies forthis child? DO NOT PROMPT

(55)During night time......................................................... 1When I am busy e.g. too much to do......................... 2When I am on holiday/ away from home ................... 3When the child is at nursery/ with a child minder ...... 4Other (write in) ................................................................................................................................................. 5

Questions about usage and type of waterproof / over pants and booster pads

INTERVIEWER READ OUT: I AM NOW GOING TO ASK YOU SOME QUESTIONS ABOUTWATERPROOF PANTS, OVERPANTS AND BOOSTER PADS.

IF MORE THAN ONE CHILD IN THE HOUSEHOLD SAY: AGAIN THINKING ABOUT YOUR YOUNGESTCHILD WHO USES / USED THESE NAPPIES WHEN ANSWERING

ASK ALL

Q.13. SHOWCARD B When using washable cloth nappies, how often, if at all, do / did you usewaterproof or over pants? This includes any pants that are worn over the nappy itself but notthose that are clothes.

(56)All the time .................................................................. 1Most of the time .......................................................... 2Sometimes.................................................................. 3Very rarely................................................................... 4 GO TO Q14Never........................................................................... 5Don’t know .................................................................. 6 GO TO Q18a


55

Q.14.SHOWCARD C Which type or types of waterproof or over pants do / did you use? CODE ALLTHAT APPLY

(57)Cotton/cotton mix........................................................ 1Wool ........................................................................... 2Fleece ........................................................................ 3Nylon .......................................................................... 4Polyester ..................................................................... 5PVC............................................................................. 6Other (write in) ................................................................................................................................................. 7Don't know, looks like plastic...................................... 8Don't know .................................................................. 9

Q.15. IF CURRENTLY USE: In total, how many waterproof or over pants do you own that arecurrently in use for this child?

IF USED IN PAST: In total, how many waterproof or over pants did you have in use in thelast six months when your child was wearing nappies both during the day and at night?


(58) (59) (60)

Q.16. Have / had these waterproof or over pants been used previously on another child?IF YES: SAY 'Is that all or some of them'?

(61)Yes, all of them........................................................... 1Yes, some of them...................................................... 2No................................................................................ 3

Q 17 How long does / did each pair of waterproof or over pants last before it is / was replaced?Please think of replacements made when they have worn out due to use rather than whenyour child has / had grown out of them.

(62)Less than one week.................................................... 1One week to a month ................................................. 2Over one to six months .............................................. 3Over six to twelve months .......................................... 4Over one year to two years ........................................ 5Over two years to three years.................................... 6Never replace them .................................................... 7Don't know .................................................................. 8

INTERVIEWER READ OUT: I AM NOW GOING TO ASK YOU A FEW QUESTIONS ABOUTABSORBENT BOOSTER PADS AND NAPPY LINERS


56

ASK ALL

Q.18a. SHOWCARD B Which of the following best describes, how often, if at all, you use / usedabsorbent booster pads with the washable cloth nappies?

(63)All the time .................................................................. 1Most of the time .......................................................... 2Sometimes.................................................................. 3Very rarely................................................................... 4 GO TO Q18bNever........................................................................... 5Don’t know .................................................................. 6 GO TO Q20

Q.18b. Are / were the absorbent booster pads that you use / used disposable, re-usable or both?

(64)Disposable .................................................................. 1 GO TO Q20Re-usable.................................................................... 2 GO TO Q19Both............................................................................. 3 GO TO Q19Don't know .................................................................. 4 GO TO Q20

Q.19. IF CURRENTLY USE: Thinking of the re-usable absorbent booster pads that you use. Howmany of these pads do you own that are currently in use?

IF USED IN PAST: Thinking of the re-usable absorbent booster pads that you used in the lastsix months when your child was wearing nappies both during the day and at night? Howmany of these pads did you have in use?


(65) (66) (67)

ASK ALL

Q.20. SHOWCARD B Which of the following best describes, how often, if at all, you use / usednappy liners with the washable cloth nappies?

(68)All the time .................................................................. 1Most of the time .......................................................... 2Sometimes.................................................................. 3Very rarely................................................................... 4 GO TO Q21Never........................................................................... 5Don’t know .................................................................. 6 GO TO Q23


57

Q.21. SHOWCARD D And what type or types of nappy liners do / did you use? CODE ALL THATAPPLY

(69)Disposable flushable .................................................. 1Disposable non flushable ........................................... 2Reusable fleece.......................................................... 3Reusable nylon........................................................... 4Reusable polyester..................................................... 5Other (write in). ................................................................................................................................................ 6Don't know. ................................................................. 7

Q.22. On average how many nappy liners do / did you use in a 24 hour period?


(70) (71) (72)

Washing nappies and waterproof / overpants

INTERVIEWER READ OUT: I AM NOW GOING TO ASK YOU A FEW QUESTIONS ABOUT WASHINGYOUR NAPPIES AND WATERPROOF OR OVERPANTS

ASK ALL

Q.23. SHOWCARD E Which of the following best describe how you wash / washed the clothnappies? CODE ALL THAT APPLY

(73)I wash nappies at home in the washing machine...... 1I take them to the launderette .................................... 2 GO TO Q 24I wash nappies at home by hand ............................... 3 GO TO Q 29A nappy laundry service takes them away ................ 4Other (write in) ................................................................................................................................................ 5GO TO Q 33

ASK Q24 IF NAPPIES WASHED IN WASHING MACHINE OR TAKEN TO LAUNDERETTE (Q23 CODES1 OR 2) IF WASHED BY HAND (Q23 CODE 3) GO TO Q29 OTHERS GO TO Q33

Q.24. SHOWCARD B Do / did you wash nappies separately from other laundry in the washingmachine?

(74)All the time .................................................................. 1Most of the time .......................................................... 2Sometimes.................................................................. 3Very rarely................................................................... 4 GO TO Q25Never........................................................................... 5Don’t know .................................................................. 6 GO TO Q26

ASK Q25 IF NAPPIES EVER WASHED SEPARATELY (Q24 CODES 1-4) OTHERS GO TO Q26


58

Q.25. When you wash / washed nappies separately from other laundry, on average, how manynappies would make up a load?


(75) (76) (77)

NOW GO TO Q26Q.26. At what wash temperature do / did you normally wash nappies in the washing machine? SINGLE CODE PREFERRED

(78)90/95 O..................................................................................180 O .......................................................................................270 O ......................................................................................360 O .......................................................................................450 O .......................................................................................540 O ......................................................................................63O O ......................................................................................7Cold rinse.............................................................................8Don’t know ..........................................................................9

CARD 2

Q.27. SHOWCARD F Which of these type of washing agent do / did you use for washing thenappies in the washing machine? CODE ALL THAT APPLY

(7)POWDERBiological powder ....................................................... 1Non biological powder ................................................ 2Eco biological powder ................................................ 3Eco non biological powder ......................................... 4

TABLETBiological tablet........................................................... 5Non biological tablet ................................................... 6Eco non biological tablet ............................................ 7Eco biological tablet.................................................... 8

(8)LIQUIDBiological liquid ........................................................... 1Non biological liquid.................................................... 2Eco biological liquid .................................................... 3Eco non biological liquid............................................ 4

LIQUIDABS/ LIQUIDSACHETS/ LIQUID CAPSULESBiological .................................................................... 5Non biological ............................................................ 6Eco biological ............................................................. 7Eco non biological .................................................... 8

(9)OTHERSoap flakes eg LUX.................................................... 1Eco ball ....................................................................... Other (Write in) 3

CARD 2

Q.28. Do / did you add fabric softener to the nappy wash in the washing machine?IF YES: SAY Is that always or sometimes?

(10)


59

Yes, always................................................................. 1Yes, sometimes .......................................................... 2Never........................................................................... 3

ASK ALL WHO WASH / WASHED NAPPIES AT HOME IN THE WASHING MACHINE / BY HAND OR ATTHE LAUNDERETTE Q 23 (CODES 1 OR 2 OR 3) OTHERS GO TO Q33

Q.29. SHOWCARD B Before you wash / washed the nappies do you soak or pre-treat them?(11)

All the time .................................................................. 1Most of the time .......................................................... 2Sometimes.................................................................. 3Very rarely ................................................................... 4 GO TO Q30Never........................................................................... 5Don’t know .................................................................. 6 GO TO Q31

ASK Q30 IF SOAK OR PRE-TREAT NAPPIES (Q29 CODES 1-4) OTHERS GO TO Q31

Q30. SHOWCARD G In which of the following ways do/ did you soak or pre-treat them? CODE ALLTHAT APPLY

(12)In water only ........................................................................1In soap/detergent..................................................................2In household bleach .............................................................3In ecobleach .........................................................................4In domestic borax ................................................................5In a sanitiser eg napisan/ milton etc ....................................6In an eco sanitiser eg nappy bright/ nappy fresh/ nappy soak .........................................................................7In tea tree oil ........................................................................8In sodium bicarbonate/ baking soda.......................... 9Other (write in) ................................................................................................................................................ 0

Q.31. SHOWCARD H After washing the nappies, how do/ did you dry them? Please think aboutwhat you do in both the summer and winter. CODE ALL THAT APPLY

(13)Spin .....................................................................................1Tumble dry ..........................................................................2Air dry indoors on clothes line/ horse ................................3Air dry outdoors on clothes line/ horse ..............................4Dry in airing cupboard ........................................................5Dry on radiators ..................................................................6Dry elsewhere in house ......................................................7Dry elsewhere outside .........................................................8Other ..................................................................................................................................................................................9

Q.32. Do / did you iron your nappies after they’ve been washed and dried?IF YES: SAY Is that always or sometimes?

(14)Yes, always................................................................. 1Yes, sometimes .......................................................... 2Never........................................................................... 3

ASK Q33-Q36 IF USE / USED WATERPROOF OR OVER PANTS AT Q13 CODES 1-4


60

INTERVIEWER READ OUT : I WOULD NOW LIKE YOU TO THINK ABOUT WHEN YOU WASH /WASHED THE WATERPROOF OR OVERPANTS

Q.33. SHOWCARD I How often, on average, do / did you wash these waterproof or over pants?

(15)Every use .................................................................... 1Every other use........................................................... 2Every 2-3 uses............................................................ 3Every 4-5 uses............................................................ 4Every 6-10 uses.......................................................... 5Less often ................................................................... 6Never........................................................................... 7Don’t know .................................................................. 8

Q.34. SHOWCARD J And which of the following best describes how you wash / washed thesewaterproof or overpants? CODE ALL THAT APPLY

(16)In the washing machine with other laundry ............... 1In the washing machine on their own ........................ 2 GO TO Q35Hand wash with water only ........................................ 3Hand wash with soap / detergent............................... 4Hand wash with other washing product..................... 5Other (write in) ............................................................ 6 GO TO Q36……………………………………………………………..

ASK Q35 IF WATERPROOF PANTS WASHED IN WASHING MACHINE (Q34 CODES 1 OR 2). IFWASHED BY HAND OR OTHER GO TO Q36

Q.35 At what wash temperature do / did you wash the waterproof or over pants in the washingmachine? SINGLE CODE PREFERRED

(17)90/95 O..................................................................................180 O .......................................................................................270 O ......................................................................................360 O .......................................................................................450 O .......................................................................................540 O ......................................................................................63O O ......................................................................................7Cold rinse.............................................................................8Don’t know ..........................................................................9

ASK ALL USE / USED WATERPROOF OR OVER PANTS


61

Q.36. SHOWCARD H How do / did you dry the waterproof or overpants? Please think about whatyou do in both the summer and winter. CODE ALL THAT APPLY

(18)Spin ............................................................................ 1Tumble dry ................................................................. 2Air dry indoors on clothes line/ horse ........................ 3Air dry outdoors on clothes line/ horse ..................... 4Dry in airing cupboard ............................................... 5Dry on radiators ......................................................... 6Dry elsewhere in house ............................................. 7Dry elsewhere outside................................................ 8Other ........................................................................... 9

ASK ALL

Q.37. Finally, what do/ did you do with the nappies after your child doesn’t / didn't need themanymore?DO NOT PROMPT

(19)I keep them in case I have another child ................................................... 1

I give them away......................................................... 2I dispose of them with other household waste .......... 3I dispose of them separately from household waste. 4I sell them ................................................................... 5I use them for household tasks .................................. 6I use them for hand towels ......................................... 7Other (Please write in)..................................................................................................................................... 8

THANK AND CLOSE


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Annex C: National Statistics OmnibusSurveyThe National Statistics Omnibus is a multi-purpose survey carried out by Social and VitalStatistics Division (formerly the Social Survey Division) on behalf of a range ofgovernment departments and other public and non-profit-making bodies. Interviews arecarried out in respondents’ homes by interviewers who have been trained to carry out arange of ONS surveys. The survey is a fast, effective and reliable way of obtaininginformation about the general population or about particular groups of people. Thesurvey has a response rate of around 65 per cent in Great Britain, which is higher thanother Omnibus surveys, and achieves around 1,850 interviews per month.

The National Statistics Omnibus survey is the only national Omnibus that uses randomprobability sampling at all stages of sample selection. As probability sampling is used,sampling errors can be calculated which allow the precision of survey results to beassessed. In particular, confidence intervals can be estimated to show whetherdifferences from the previous survey are, or are not, within the bounds of sampling error.

The Omnibus interview is in two parts. The first part consists of a set of coreclassificatory questions (around 50) about respondents that remains unchanged fromsurvey to survey. The second, larger, part consists of a series of unrelated modules onvarying topics that are included in the survey at the request of customers.

The Omnibus sample designThe National Statistics Omnibus covers the whole of Great Britain. It has a multi-stagerandom sample. At the first stage 100 postal sectors throughout Great Britain areselected from the 'small user' Postcode Address File (PAF). In order to increase therepresentativeness of the sample, the file is stratified by Government Office Region(GOR), tenure (the proportion of heads of household renting from local authorities) andSEG (proportion of heads of household classed as 1 to 5 or 13) using 1991 Census data.This stratification ensures that the English part of the sample is representative ofEngland and the Welsh part of the sample is representative of Wales and so on. At thesecond stage 30 addresses are randomly selected within each postal sector. At the finalstage one adult aged 16 years or over is selected randomly for interview at each eligibleaddress.

Thus ONS interviewers have no control over who is interviewed - they must interview atthe pre-selected address and select one adult for interview according to a pre-setmethod.

As a random sample survey, the National Statistics Omnibus avoids or is less affected bythe problems inherent in quota sampling - those of non-response bias and unmeasurablesampling error. Other Omnibus surveys randomly select areas; however quota samplingis used to select the survey respondents. As long as each interviewer’s sample matchesthe profile (quotas) specified by their management they can select any respondents theywish. Thus the sample is biased towards the respondents who are most easily foundwhen the interviewer is looking and most easily persuaded to take part in the survey.


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Furthermore, the sample may not be a good representation at the area level since it isimpossible to get up-to-date quotas for the precise area covered by each interviewer.

‘Official Statistics should not tolerate any uncontrollable bias in its products. It shouldcarry out sample surveys using probabilistic methods.’12 Only random probabilitysampling ensures that the method for selecting respondents is not biased and that thedegree of precision can be measured scientifically (through the calculation of samplingerrors). This technical rigour together with a higher response rate than any otherOmnibus survey will help clients to defend the basis of the survey if critics shouldquestion the results. In this respect, the National Statistics Omnibus is unique.

Computer assisted interviewingSocial and Vital Statistics Division (SVS) pioneered the use of Computer AssistedInterviewing (CAI), using Blaise software developed by Statistics Netherlands. Nearly allinterviews in households and institutions carried out by SVS use Blaise. The Omnibussurvey uses the latest, Windows-based, version of Blaise - Blaise 4.

Over the 10 years of using Blaise vast expertise in programming questionnaires hasbeen built up that fully meet customers' requirements and all interviewers areexperienced in conducting interviews using Blaise.

Using Blaise improves data quality as the Blaise program controls the routing through thequestionnaire and sets the range of codes allowed at each question. Consistency checkscan be programmed into the questionnaire, so that any inconsistencies in the data canbe resolved during the interview, by the interviewer and respondent, rather than during apost-fieldwork editing stage.

12 Jean-Claude Deville – ‘ A Theory of Quota Surveys’, Survey Methodology, December 1991. Vol. 17, No.2 pp. 163-181. Statistics Canada.


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Annex D: TEST ResearchA research study conducted among parents or guardians of children under the age of 36months who currently use or have used washable cloth nappies in the past. The purposeof this study was to contribute to the Environment Agency’s ability to establish the usageof washable cloth nappies and other related nappy products, and to carry out a life cycleassessment of reusable and disposable nappies.

MethodologyIn total, 183 parents/guardians were interviewed face to face in locations within randomlyselected constituencies across Britain. Of the 183 respondents, 135 had a child currentlyusing washable cloth nappies. The remaining 48 had used cloth nappies on their child inthe past. (Past users were asked to think about the last six months when their child wasusing cloth nappies when answering all questions.) Respondents who had more thanone child under the age of 36 months in their household were asked to think about theyoungest child only when answering all the questions. In the case of twins, triplets etc,respondents were also asked to think of the youngest child in terms of the time they weredelivered.

Fieldwork was conducted between 10 March 2003 and 4 April 2003. Due to very lowpenetration, fieldwork was suspended from 21 March 2003 to 26 March 2003 in order toadopt different methodologies to maximise the number of interviews achieved.Interviewing was subsequently revised to include the following options:• Recruitment of respondents and conduction of main interview in-street as well as in-

home.

• ‘Snowballing’ – Asking respondents if they know anyone else who currently use/haveused cloth nappies on their child.


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Annex E: Omnibus - Data issues andcorrectionsOverall comments on dataThis dataset consisted of four separate datafiles collected via the Omnibus survey. Theywere renamed 1 to 4 as follows:

Omnibus 1 February 2003 dataOmnibus 2 June 2002 dataOmnibus 3 July 2002 dataOmnibus 4 November 2002 data

Two of these datafiles (2 and 3) had detailed codes for regions while the other two justhad main regions coded. When combining datafiles the main region was assigned to allrecords.

The four datafiles had a different number of variables in each one so the four datafileswere amalgamated into one dataset with a consistent number of variables. To obtain thisthe number of variables were reduced by removing many which were not relevant to theanalysis required for this report. There were 40 variables left in the dataset used for thisanalysis.

Modification for nappy analysisAs much of the information collected as possible was to be used for analysis. Eachrecord was split down to produce a new record for each child in the family under 10rather than just looking at information for the youngest child. A new serial number wasassigned to each new record but the original serial number kept too for reference andmapping back to the same family if required. A new variable recording whether theresponse was for the youngest child or not was created. No respondent had specifiedany other type of nappy being used than those given on the questionnaire.

Population of respondentsThough there were around 2,000 records within each omnibus datafile, this reduceddramatically in number when looking at records which had answered questions aboutnappies. The tables below summarise what data were collected in terms of nappy usage.These tables are based on the responses given to question M316_5 “Thinking back tothe time when your child was still in nappies, did/do you use disposable nappies,reusable nappies or both disposable and reusable nappies?”

OMNIBUS 1n=501 all Nappy type

- disposableNappy type- reusable

Nappy type- both-disposable

Nappy type- both-reusable

Total 479 6 11 4Source: Omnibus survey


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OVERALL DATASETn=2101 all Nappy type





The final dataset contained 2,112 records. Eleven of these records had blank or don’tknow responses to question M316_5, which explains why the total in the table above isonly 2101.

Data issuesSome older children in the same household had an age recorded as being younger thanthe youngest child. The ages were assumed to be correct but the records given in thewrong order. These records have been kept in.

Some children in the same household were the same age in many families. This meantthat either a lot of families with twins/triplets had been identified or the accuracy to whichthe age of the child was given was not detailed enough to distinguish between differentchildren. This was ignored in the analysis and the records were kept in.

Thirty-three records in the original dataset had the child’s age recorded as 0. Theserecords were checked and it was found that a few of these were actually very youngbabies under a month old. The remaining records were recoded to include the exact ageof the child in months that had been written on the survey form.

The age out of nappies was recorded as 0 for some cases too. This did not make senseso again data were queried and amended from the original dataset.


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Another issue was that for a few records the age given for coming out of nappies wasolder than the children were themselves. This again was queried and data corrected asnecessary.

Some ages of children were found to be over 10, when queried so some data pointswere lost in the analysis because of this.

Most of the problems highlighted here were concerned with the age coding of records.Since they were not always coded in months, some seemed rounded to the nearest year,care should be taken when looking at any analysis based on the child’s age.

A data cleaning exercise at the start of analysis was also carried out since the coding ofsome ages was outside the system used where 0.0 to 0.11 was used to code 0 to 11months. These records were recoded from the original dataset.

Question M316_7 asked about the main type of nappy used, but there were only 10responses to this question since only 10 people listed more than one type of nappy usedin question M316_6M. These two questions were combined to produce a new variablecalled mainused, which had 122 responses in it. One record was removed where theanswer to M316_7 was inconsistent with the answer to M316_6M.

Since some of the requested analysis was to look at both ‘reusable only’ respondents aswell as ‘reusable only’ and ‘both - mainly reusable’ respondents there was a need tointroduce another new variable. A variable called typenapp was created using M316_5and DVM316 responses. The codes 1 to 4 are as follows:

1 disposable only2 reusable only3 both – mainly disposable4 both – mainly reusable


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Annex F: TEST - Data issues andcorrectionsOverall comments on dataThe dataset was analysed in SPSS. Further information needed to be sought from TESTfor the coding of the ‘other’ category options on the survey form. ‘Other’ options on theform hadn’t been coded as named responses if they had less than 10 per cent of theoverall response rate for that question.

Modification for nappy analysisDue to the way that the survey was conducted, question 1 “What type or types ofwashable cloth nappy have/did you regularly used/use on this child?” and question 2“And what one of these do/did you most often use?” needed to be combined todetermine the main type of nappy used.

Since question 4b “Is your child currently wearing washable cloth nappies all the time?”IF NO SAY “Does your child only wear them during the night or only during the day?”was not worded sufficiently clearly or unambiguously to give the information sought thishas been excluded from the analysis. Due to the one question asking two things,respondents seemed to answer yes in many cases when their answer should have beenno. For example, if someone were only using reusable nappies during the day then theywould answer “No” to the first prompt and then should say "No, only during the day" tothe second prompt. It is thought, though, that errors have occurred because it wouldhave been easy for the same respondent to answer “Yes” to the second prompt byanswering “Yes” to the question “Does your child only wear them during the night or onlyduring the day?” where the correct response should have been “No, only during the day.”

Therefore it was not possible to estimate the age that a child stops wearing nappies inthis analysis.

Population of respondentsThough there were 184 records within this dataset, this is reduced for a number ofquestions since not everyone answered all questions. Some analysis is therefore doneon very small numbers and should be treated with caution. The frequencies in the tablespresented should be carefully considered alongside the valid per cent.

This survey only covered reusable nappy users.

Data issuesSome respondents said that they owned no nappies, (question 5 “In total, how manywashable cloth nappies do you own that are currently in use for this child?”), but had saidthat they’d used them previously on other children (question 6 “Have/had thesewashable cloth nappies been used previously on another child?”). These respondentswere using a nappy service (nappy service users (NSUs)= 12). Their responses toquestions 5, 6, 15, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, and 32 were also excluded from theanalysis since it cannot be certain how they answered these questions.


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Question 7 “On average, how many times do/did you change your child’s washable clothnappy over a 24 hour period?” had one record with 30 changes per day. This wasqueried with TEST and found to be correct.

Question 8 “On average, over a 24 hour period, how many times when youchange/changed a nappy has/did your child had/have a bowel movement?” had oneresponse that needed to be corrected from 22 bowel movements to two due to incorrectdata entry from the original form. There was another respondent who answered five hereyet only had two nappy changes per day, so this record was excluded from analysis.

Question 12 “On what occasions would you use disposable nappies rather thanwashable cloth nappies for this child?” had been recoded by TEST from the originalquestionnaire to add in additional options for the ‘other’ category based on respondent’sanswers. For the purposes of the analysis the original options given on the survey formwere used .

Question 15 “In total, how many waterproof or over-pants do you own that are currentlyin use for this child?” had one response from a NSU saying that they owned none butused them all the time in question 13 “When using washable cloth nappies, how often, ifat all, do/did you use waterproof or over-pants?” This was excluded from analysis sinceon checking the form it was discovered that they were hiring them from the nappyservice. All NSUs were therefore excluded from this analysis.

Question 19 “Thinking of the re-usable absorbent booster pads that you use. How manyof these pads do you own that are currently in use?” had one response saying theyowned none but used booster pads sometimes. This was kept in the analysis since onchecking the form it was discovered that the answer was indecipherable so it was treatedas a non response rather than zero owned and would have no effect on the figuresproduced.

Question 25 “When you wash/washed nappies separately from other laundry, onaverage, how many nappies would make up a load?” had one response that wasexcluded since it said they washed 40 nappies in a load but they’d only said they owned20. Since this did not stack up, I also excluded the answer of 20 nappies from question 5“In total, how many washable cloth nappies do you own that are currently in use for thischild?” for consistency.

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